Bangkok--30 Jun--Ogilvy Public Relations
Goodyear drifts into motorsport sponsorship as it confirms plans to support two Thai drift talents in one of the world’s most exciting races, the Formula Drifting, which will be held in Singapore from July 4-5, 2009.
Drifting, although very new to many Thais, is a high-skill, high-powered motorsport that has gained more and more popularity around the world. Tires spinning, screeching and smoking are all part of the attraction of the sport. The drivers, or drifters as they are known, execute various moves to get their cars to move sideways.
“Drifting is the fastest growing form of motorsport in the region,” said Richard Fleming, Managing Director for Goodyear ASEAN. “The motorsport does not only test drifters’ skills and tire performance, but also enhances our customers’ confidence in our tire durability and performance. By sponsoring this motorsport, we are getting closer to our customers and share with them the excitement of adrenaline rush!”
Goodyear has been sponsoring drifting for almost 3 years, beginning with its sponsorship of the Formula Drift by ESPN which was viewed by 3.5 million households in Asia Pacific. When the Formula Drift was held for the first time outside the USA last year in Singapore, Goodyear was sure to be one of the event main sponsors.
“We are among the first corporations to sponsor the Singapore Formula Drift which attracted as many as 15,000 participants and 40 drifters from around the world. This year, we are thrilled to extend the opportunity for Thais to enjoy the thrill of drifting by sponsoring two Thai drifters who will compete with racers from around the world in this event.”
The drifters who will represent Thailand at the race are Nakorn Cotraviwat, 29, and Jatuphon Manpatarapong, 31.
Nakorn, with his Toyota Soarer, is a highly successful young racer with many wins, including 1st place winner in the M-Max Slide Night 2006 in Chiang Mai, M-Max Speed Party 2006, 3rd place winner at the Drift to Drag 2007 and 2nd place winner at the Sideway All Stars Challenge 2008.
Jatuphon has also performed well in national-level competition. In 2007, he finished the third place in the Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival 2007. Early this year, he participated in the M-Max Speed Party Drift Competition 2009 where he finished as the 3rd place of the competition.
“We are certain that the two drifters will perform well at the competition, and hope they will spark Thai viewers’ interest in this kind of motorsport. The Formula Drifting might be eventually held in Thailand one day, who knows!” said Fleming.
About Goodyear
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.
Goodyear presence in Thailand dates back to 1968 and currently manufactures high value added passenger and commercial tires. Goodyear Thailand is also the only location in Asia Pacific that manufactures and retreads aviation tires for local and global aviation customers. In a recent 2009 Reader’s Digest survey, consumers voted Goodyear the Most Trusted Tire Brand in Thailand.
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